New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) has issued a “winter operations advisory” for Wednesday, Jan. 25, beginning at 7 a.m. Department officials said a winter operations advisory is the department’s “lower level” winter weather message, as opposed to the “higher level” snow alert. Coastal flooding is also expected according to the National Weather Service.

 

DSNY officials said precipitation is expected to begin as wet snow as early as 7 a.m. in parts of the City, with between a half an inch and one inch of accumulation possible before the precipitation changes to rain later in the day. They said the exact timing of this changeover is highly variable, and, given the substantial amount of moisture in this particular storm system, there is a very remote but existing possibility of more snow.

 

As such, department officials said they are filling salt spreaders and smaller equipment, and will be salting the streets and treating bike lanes to prevent accumulation. They said the department is prepared to deploy plows in every sector in what they said was the extremely unlikely event of roadway snow accumulation over two inches.

 

They added that residents should continue to follow their normal collection schedule for trash, compost and recycling. Delays are not expected. Alternate Side Parking regulations and parking meters will also operate as normal, according to the department.

 

DSNY is also coordinating with other City agencies on snow clearing protocol in accordance with each agency’s written snow plan. Department officials said all relevant city agencies have been notified and the department will continue to monitor forecasts as the snow event approaches.

 

Additionally, the New York office of the National Weather Service has issued a Coastal Flood Advisory effective from Wednesday, Jan. 25, at 4:34 a.m. EST until Thursday, Jan. 26, at 5 a.m.

 

Officials said one to two feet of flood waters above ground level are expected in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline in The Bronx, Connecticut, Southern Fairfield, Southern New Haven, Southern Middlesex and Southern New London counties and in New York, Southern Westchester, Northwest Suffolk, Northeast Suffolk, Southeast Suffolk and Northern Nassau counties.

 

They said some roads and low lying properties including parking lots, parks, lawns, and homes and businesses with basements near the waterfront will experience minor flooding.

 

Due to the potential for severe weather, including snow, heavy rain and potential wind gusts of up to 40 mph, NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) is reminding all builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners to secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment.

 

Department officials said DOB will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the city. If sites are not secured, the department will take immediate enforcement action, issuing violations and stop work orders, where necessary.

 

DOB officials said winds may reach higher speeds and last longer than forecast in certain areas of the city. They said property owners must consider the safety of their buildings and construction sites, including cranes, suspended and supported scaffolding, hoists, and any other building appurtenances that may come loose from exposure to high winds.

 

Structures that have been subject to deferred maintenance or are in delicate condition could be at greater risk, they added. The department suggests consulting a professional to advise how to secure construction sites and buildings. Officials said to safeguard construction sites, builders, contractors, and developers should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:

• Tie down and secure material and loose debris at construction sites.
• Cover electrical equipment from exposure to the weather.
• Store loose tools, oil cans, and extra fuses in a toolbox.
• Secure netting, scaffolding, and sidewalk sheds.
• Suspend crane operations and secure crane equipment when wind speeds reach 30 mph or greater.
• Suspend hoist operations and secure exterior hoists when wind speeds reach 35 mph or greater, unless manufacturer specifications state otherwise.
• Brace and secure construction fences.
• Call 911 if there is an emergency on a construction site.

 

Buildings Bulletin 2015-029 outlines the requirements for vertical netting, debris netting and material-fall protection devices at buildings and construction sites.

DOB officials added that to secure a building, property owners should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:

• Bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools, and toys.
• Anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills or propane tanks.
• Close up and secure patio umbrellas.
• Secure retractable awnings.
• Remove aerial antennas and satellite television dishes.
• Take down tents or follow manufacturer’s instructions to secure them.
• Check to ensure all gutters, roof drains, and down spouts are cleared of debris to allow for proper drainage.

 

They said New Yorkers are encouraged to call 311 to report non-compliant conditions or 911 to report emergencies at construction sites or buildings. New Yorkers who suspect a building or property has been structurally compromised should call 911.

Under §28-301.1 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, property owners are legally obligated to maintain their properties in a safe condition.

Department officials said weather advisories are strictly a courtesy to remind property owners to prepare their properties for severe weather and added that such advisories cannot be read to suggest that the department, rather than the property owner, is responsible for maintaining his or her property.

 

All winter weather information and information about the City’s response to the storm can be found by visiting the City’s Severe Weather website at www.nyc.gov/severeweather or by calling 311. New Yorkers are also encouraged to sign up for Notify NYC, the City’s free emergency notification system. Through Notify NYC, New Yorkers can sign up to receive phone calls, text messages, and emails alerts about severe weather events and emergencies. To sign up for Notify NYC, call 311, visit www.nyc.gov or follow @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

 

Find information on DSNY snow operations, along with residents’ responsibilities, during and after snow at nyc.gov/snow.